I research wildlife populations and communities in complicated environments using carefully designed field studies. I am motivated by applied research questions, though my research findings often have broad theoretical implications. My work has mainly focused on mammals and occasionally birds and reptiles to date. The central themes of my research can be described as:
Understanding species distributions
I am interested in explaining why we find populations where we do. My research has focused on abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors that influence species distributions in relatively untouched landscapes, including factors such as water quality and the activity of sympatric ecosystem engineers or local food availability. In areas where species coexist with larger densities of humans and livestock, I also assess social factors that may affect species distributions and conservation (see “Evaluating the human dimensions of wildlife conservation”).
I am interested in explaining why we find populations where we do. My research has focused on abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors that influence species distributions in relatively untouched landscapes, including factors such as water quality and the activity of sympatric ecosystem engineers or local food availability. In areas where species coexist with larger densities of humans and livestock, I also assess social factors that may affect species distributions and conservation (see “Evaluating the human dimensions of wildlife conservation”).
Determining food web relationships
Proper nutrition is necessary for growth, survival, reproduction, and immunity to disease. Much of my community ecology work has focused on dietary niche overlap and differentiation. I am interested in how diets differ between species and also how they vary at the population- and individual-level, and the associated effects on wildlife management and conservation. I am currently exploring how diet may relate to pathogen loads and immunity in bats, and associated risks of zoonotic spillover events.
Proper nutrition is necessary for growth, survival, reproduction, and immunity to disease. Much of my community ecology work has focused on dietary niche overlap and differentiation. I am interested in how diets differ between species and also how they vary at the population- and individual-level, and the associated effects on wildlife management and conservation. I am currently exploring how diet may relate to pathogen loads and immunity in bats, and associated risks of zoonotic spillover events.
Evaluating the human dimensions of wildlife conservation
Wildlife conservation is as much about people as it is about species or ecosystems, so my research includes social dimensions where possible. By understanding human values and attitudes toward wildlife as well as the frequency and types of interactions with varying species, I try to highlight conservation challenges and opportunities. I am also interested in cultural stories about wildlife as these may influence future conservation attitudes and behaviors.
Wildlife conservation is as much about people as it is about species or ecosystems, so my research includes social dimensions where possible. By understanding human values and attitudes toward wildlife as well as the frequency and types of interactions with varying species, I try to highlight conservation challenges and opportunities. I am also interested in cultural stories about wildlife as these may influence future conservation attitudes and behaviors.
Addressing gaps in natural history
Many aspects of basic biology remain unknown for less charismatic or nocturnal species. My research on understudied bat communities, including documenting ectoparasite communities and reproductive periods for bats of the northern Namib Desert, aims to address some of these important gaps in natural history.
Many aspects of basic biology remain unknown for less charismatic or nocturnal species. My research on understudied bat communities, including documenting ectoparasite communities and reproductive periods for bats of the northern Namib Desert, aims to address some of these important gaps in natural history.
Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in ecology and conservation
A diverse and inclusive scientific community is more productive, innovative, impactful, and just. Through targeted research, I seek to quantify differences in behaviors that affect diversity, equity, and inclusion to expand opportunities and dismantle barriers for people from diverse and marginalized backgrounds to engage in science.
A diverse and inclusive scientific community is more productive, innovative, impactful, and just. Through targeted research, I seek to quantify differences in behaviors that affect diversity, equity, and inclusion to expand opportunities and dismantle barriers for people from diverse and marginalized backgrounds to engage in science.
